1. measures the flow of water
   dispenses water
2. filters the water

It is a device that controls the flow of water.

1. A washer presses tightly on the faucet seat, blocking the water.
   A vacuum is caused preventing water flow.
2. A small pump draws the water away form the faucet.

A watertight seal prevents the water from coming through the pipe.

1. Change the faucet.
   Clean the aerator.
2. Check the washer and faucet seat assembly.

After turning off the main water supply, check the washer-faucet seat assembly, making sure it is watertight. Maybe you just need to replace the washer or the faucet seat.

1. Touch a metal pipe to prevent static electricity.
   Turn off the main water supply.
2. Place a bucket under the faucet if possible.

Turn off the main water supply, otherwise things could get a little wet.

1. Use sealing compound for an approximate fit.
   Any similar sized washer should do the job.
2. An exact replacement needs to be used for an exact fit.

A damaged washer must be replaced by an identical one. A similar washer may not fit exactly and so will not stop the leak.

1. Yes, hot washers should be installed in hot faucets and cold ones in cold faucets.
   The cold washer serves for both as long as it is identical to the old one.
2. It does not matter if you raise the faucet seat a little.

There are different washers for hot and cold. Cold washers will expand when heated, thereby reducing the flow of water.

1. That's it -- throw out the old faucet.
   Check the valve seat. Maybe you can repair or replace it.
2. A thick coat of special compound on the valve seat will stop the leak.

Before throwing away the faucet and installing a new one, have a look at the valve seat. You may be able to repair it or replace just this part.

1. A worn valve seat means you need to replace the faucet.
   Epoxy compound can be shaped to fit the washer.
2. You can replace the valve seat.

If you want to avoid replacing the whole faucet, you can try to replace the valve seat.

1. The metal stem ground against the valve seat.
   Chemicals in the water eroded the metal.
2. Both answers are correct.

Chemicals in the water could have eroded the metal, or a faulty washer could have allowed the metal stem to grind against the valve seat and wear it down.

1. No, the metal is too hard.
   Yes, if you are careful not to damage the soft metal.
2. Grinders are too expensive to make it worthwhile.

An inexpensive valve seat grinder, if used carefully, may be able to repair the valve seat.

1. whenever the seal is faulty
   when the faucet is turned off
2. when the water pressure increases

A faucet can drip when it is "closed" but has a leaky seal.

1. soft wire or tiny ball-bearings
   rubber O-rings or soft wire
2. plastic chips or rubber O-rings

The faucet packing is usually made of rubber O-rings or soft wire wrapped around the stem.

1. increases water pressure
   ensures easy movement of the spout
2. prevents water from leaking

It prevents water from leaking out around the spout.

1. Metal disks with holes can replace washers.
   Every faucet needs at least one washer.
2. In the absence of washers the faucet needs to be installed horizontally.

One type of faucet has two metal disks with holes that allow water to flow when they are aligned.

1. removing the assembly sleeve
   finding the correct repair kit
2. putting together the valve assembly

Because of the numerous types of single-lever faucets, the most difficult part can be tracing the supplier that carries the specific repair kit.

1. Place a container of Jell-O in the sink.
   Turn off the main water supply
2. Attach a length of string around the nozzle to guide the drops into the sink.

A length of string attached to the nozzle will guide the drops silently into the sink.

1. use an old wrench
   insulation tape wound around the fixture
2. application of petroleum jelly to the teeth of the wrench

Wrapping a few layers of plastic insulation tape around the fixture will prevent damage by the wrench.

1. The aerators are not correctly aligned
   Pipes may be too small.
2. Not enough sediment has built up to dampen noises.

You may have pipes that are too small to allow adequate water flow.

1. Yes, if it is the wrong size or not properly secured.
   Faucet noise is always connected to problems with the pipes.
2. Yes, but only if the water pressure drops.

A wrong sized or insecurely fastened washer can cause noise.

1. The area is damp.
   It is quieter.
2. There is not enough access for a regular wrench.

You will need a basin wrench if there is very little room under the sink.